DEMOGRAPHICS DIFFERENCES IN MENTAL HEALTH AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF EKITI STATE UNIVERSITY (EACOED CAMPUS)

ABSTRACT

The study was to investigate the demographics differences in mental health among undergraduate students of Ekiti state University. The objectives of the study are: To ascertain the effect of self esteem on mental health among undergraduate students of Ektit state University, to find out the effect of peer relationship on mental health among undergraduate students of Ekiti state University and to find out the effect of parent socioeconomic status on mental health among undergraduate  students of Ekiti state University. On the line with the objectives 3 research questions and hypotheses were formulated and postulated. The study use mean and standard deviation for the analysis. The study recommended that Policy makers, college officials, non-governmental organizations, and parents, should show more concern to the health status of students. Programs aimed at preventing mental distress need to be introduced in schools so as to identify factors leading of mental distress at the early stage. Also, Counseling Unit should be established in each institution.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1BACKROUND OF THE STUDY

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Conversely, Huber et al. (2011) argued that the WHO definition of health as “complete wellbeing” is no longer fit for purpose given the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity, hypertension and depression. Consequently, Huber, et al. (2011) proposed an alternative definition, which includes changing the emphasis towards “the ability to adapt and self-manage in the face of social, physical, and emotional changes and to function with fulfillment and a feeling of wellbeing with a chronic disease or disability.

Although, WHO (2006) in order to include both the communicable and non- communicable diseases, have elaborated on their earlier definition of health, by adding, “Wellbeing is the optimal stage of health of individuals and groups.” This concept of wellbeing is significant, because it encompasses the realization of the fullest potential of an individuals’ health, physically, mentally and socially, in accordance with the World Health Organization definition of health

According to WHO, mental health is more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities. It is an important and essential component of Health – a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Going by this statement, mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to contribute to his or her community. This definition implies that mental health is critical to a person’s ability to think, operate, emote, interact with his environment, earn a living and enjoy life. On this basis, the promotion, protection and restoration of mental health can be regarded as a vital concern of individuals, communities and societies throughout the world.

Mental health is defined as a state of wellbeing in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community. A person with positive mental health uses interpersonal assets and skills to function successfully in his or her daily life. Mental health problems emerge when these assets and skills begin to deteriorate, resulting in a struggle to cope with life’s challenges and responsibility

Undergraduate students represent higher percentages of adolescent, which is the period that marks transition from youthful age to adulthood (World Youth Report (WYR), 2003).Tertiary education represents a transitional period of a new independence life from their parents and a dependent life at school. The period is characterized by rapid interrelated changes both of body, mind and social relationship (National School Climate Council (NSCC), 2007).

Health, according to World Health Organization is the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of diseases and infirmity (WHO, 2002). Undergraduate students are more vulnerable to various kinds of health problems, ranging from increased stresses to unhealthy lifestyle (Adewuya, 2006; Nerdrum et al., 2006; Ovuga et al., 2006; Stewart-Brown et al., 2000). The major health challenges identified among undergraduate students in the tertiary institution are mental health, psychological problem, infectious diseases and emotional disorder (Tomoda et al., 2000). However, mental health has been more associated with adolescent. It accounted for 11.5% of the global disease burden (World Health Organization (WHO), 2007). Over 450 million people worldwide are estimated to be suffering from some form of brain or mental disorder. In Nigeria alone, the prevalence of mental illness is reported at 20% (Shekihar, 2006).

Statement of the problem

Mental health is a major public health challenge, yet suffers institutional neglect. Over 30% of countries lack good mental health policy. Although in Nigeria Mental Health Policy was formulated in 1991 at Lagos, yet the implementation was not readily available (Mental Health Leadership and Advocacy Programme (MHLAP), 2012). The impact of lack of mental health policy implementation has created high rates of neglect, stigmatization, and streets roaming of the sufferers. The mental ill health has also impacted negatively on the educational outcomes among undergraduate students (Brackney and Karabenick, 1995). Despite these problems, the National health policies that take into cognizance interventions against the menace of students’ mental ill health in Nigeria is lacking. The early Identification of the mental related health conditions of undergraduate students in the tertiary institutions is a pre requisite to providing a long lasting solution to students’ ill health. This information is lacking among undergraduate students in the tertiary institutions in Ekit State University, Nigeria. Based on this background the researcher wants to investigate the demographics differences in mental health among undergraduate students of Ekiti state University

Objective of the study

The objective of the study is to investigate demographics differences in mental health among undergraduate students of Ekiti State University. The specific objectives are;

1. To ascertain the effect of self esteem on mental health among undergraduate students of Ektit state University
2. To find out the effect of peer relationship on mental health among undergraduate students of Ekiti state University
3. To find out the effect of parent socioeconomic status on mental health among undergraduate  students of Ekiti state University

Research question

The following research questions are formulated to guide the study;

1. What is the effect of self esteem on mental health among undergraduate students of Ektit state University?
2. What is the effect of peer relationship on mental health among undergraduate students of Ekiti state University?
3. What is the effect of parent socioeconomic status on mental health among undergraduate students of Ekiti state University?

Research Hypotheses

The following research hypotheses were formulated to guide the study;

H0: there is no effect of self esteem on mental health among undergraduate students of Ektit state University

H1: there is effect of self esteem on mental health among undergraduate students of Ektit state University

H0: there is no effect of peer relationship on mental health among undergraduate students of Ekiti state University

H2: there is effect of peer relationship on mental health among undergraduate students of Ekiti state University

H0: there is no effect of parent socioeconomic status on mental health among undergraduate students of Ekiti state University

H3: there is effect of parent socioeconomic status on mental health among undergraduate students of Ekiti state University

Significance of the study

The study will be beneficial to students, lecturers, policy makers and the ministry of health. The study will give a clear insight on the demographics differences in mental health among undergraduate students of Ekiti state University. The result of the study will enlighten the public especially students carrying health examination to know their health status. Also to know the important of reducing stress in our daily lives this can contribute to mental health problem.  Demographic differences like parent socioeconomic status, self esteem and peer relationship can make many to ignore mental health symptoms which not supposed to be so. The study will also serve as a reference to other researchers that will embark on the related topic

Scope of the study

The scope of the study covers demographics differences in mental health among undergraduate students. The study will be limited to undergraduate students of Ekiti State University

Limitation of the study

Financial constraint– Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint– The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work

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